How to Plant a Clementine Tree

Are you interested in growing your own clementine tree? Not only are these trees visually appealing with their fragrant white flowers and glossy green leaves, they also produce sweet, juicy fruit that’s perfect for snacking. Here’s how you can plant and care for your very own clementine tree.

Choosing a Location

The first step in planting a clementine tree is choosing the right location. These trees require full sun, so look for a spot in your yard that gets plenty of direct sunlight. Additionally, clementine trees like well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic. You can easily test your soil with a pH testing kit and make adjustments as needed. Lastly, make sure you have enough space for your tree to grow, as clementines can reach up to 10 feet tall and wide.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting your clementine tree, prepare the soil by digging a hole that’s two to three times wider and deeper than the root ball of your tree. Mix in compost or composted manure to help fertilize the soil and improve drainage. If your soil is particularly heavy, you may want to add sand or perlite to improve drainage even further.

Planting Your Tree

If you’re planting a bare-root clementine tree, gently spread out the roots in your planting hole and position the tree so that the graft union (where the tree was attached to the rootstock) is slightly above ground level. Fill in the hole with soil, slightly tamping down the soil as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water your new tree deeply to help settle the soil around the roots.

If you’re planting a potted clementine tree, gently remove the tree from its container and position it in your planting hole so that its soil line matches the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole and water your new tree deeply.

Caring for Your Tree

Once your clementine tree is planted, there are a few important things to keep in mind to help it thrive. First, make sure to water your tree deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and about once every two weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter). Don’t water your tree too frequently, as clementines prefer slightly drier soil.

Additionally, fertilize your tree regularly with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the early spring and again in mid-summer. Finally, keep an eye out for pest problems, particularly aphids and spider mites. If you notice any issues, treat them promptly with a natural or chemical insecticide.

Harvesting Your Fruit

Depending on the variety you’ve planted, your clementine tree will likely produce fruit from October through January. Clementines are ripe when they’re fully orange and easily peelable. They should be slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet, tangy flavor. Harvest your fruit by gently pulling it away from the branch. If the fruit doesn’t come off easily, it’s not ripe yet.

Congratulations! You now have all the knowledge you need to successfully plant and care for your very own clementine tree. With a little bit of patience and a lot of TLC, your tree will soon be producing healthy, delicious fruit for years to come.